Anger as Cheshire Home sells out to UK developer

THE Cheshire Home in Monkstown, which has housed people with disabilities for 36 years, is to close following the sale of the house to a UK developer.

Cheshire Ireland, announced the sale of Richmond House last month but said the property will not change hands for two years. It was sold to PegasusLife for an undisclosed sum.

"While the sale has been completed, ownership of the home will not change for at least two years.

"This is to facilitate the securing of suitable accommodation for all of the 17 current residents," said Mark Blake-Knox, CEO of Cheshire Ireland.

PegasusLife is the same developer behind a planned retirement village of 60 units in Dalkey.

"We are following the HSE's policy 'time to move on from congregated settings'," Mr Blake-Knox said.

"It states that every provider of residential accommodation for people with disabilities is to support their clients in moving to ordinary houses," he added.

Some of the proceeds of the sale will go towards finding new homes for the 17 residents and the rest of the monies will, "help to keep Cheshire, a not-for-profit company, viable and running", according to the CEO. The HSE has been informed of the sale.

Independent councillor for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Victor Boyhan, said he is "disappointed" by the sale and wants to know what alternative accommodation is being put in place for the 17 residents.

"We are working with State agencies, housing associations, local authorities and private investors to source housing," explained Mr Blake-Knox.

"We have recruited a small team to work with the individual residents, their families and advocates to prepare for and plan their moves."